What's the difference between a Change Agent and a Change Champion? The AIM Change Management Methodology describes the roles like this in our CAST of Characters (Champions, Agents, Sponsors, and Targets):
Champions believe in and want the change and attempt to obtain commitment and resources for it but may lack the sponsorship to drive it. Implementation can be accelerated when the other three roles (Agents, Sponsors, and Targets) are also Champions.
Agents implement change. Agents have implementation responsibility through planning and executing implementation. At least part, if not all of change agent performance is evaluated and reinforced on the success of this implementation.
So, while it is great to build a critical mass of Change Champions, these individuals don't have accountability for actually getting the change implemented. The AIM Change Management Methodology lays out some key principles regarding Change Agents and Change Champions:
Criteria for Successful Change Agents
Given the importance of the Change Agent role, it's critically important to build a network of local Change Agents with skills and characteristics we need. As you review the potential individuals for your own Change Agent network, consider whether the individual meets these criteria:
Remember that building the cascade of Sponsors at each level who each demonstrate commitment by what they Express, Model, and Reinforce is the single most important factor in getting swift implementation and value realization for your change.
Project teams should recognize early on the importance of building this network of Change Agents and ensure these individuals have the skills and knowledge to be successful in this important role. After all, it's not the Change Champions that will have implementation responsibilities-- it's the Change Agents.
What's your project team doing to help to identify the right individuals and then "skill up" these folks through training and coaching? Do these individuals have a common change management methodology and implementation framework they can apply, rather than having to reinvent the wheel? Or are they having to learn by trial and error?
Common Change Agent Mistakes
This training is critically important if you are going to avoid some of the common Change Agent mistakes we have seen in our own change management consulting, including:
So, it's certainly important to have Champions who believe in your change. But belief and enthusiasm won't get the change implemented. Make certain you are building a strong network of Change Agents that will be accountable for implementing your change at each area and level affected.